Vision of an exciting future for Jarrow Hall

I’m proud to be responsible for the direction and development of Jarrow Hall, a unique culture and heritage attraction.

Featuring at its heart a museum dedicated to exploring the fascinating life and legacy of the Venerable Bede, the 11-acre site also boasts an extensive Anglo-Saxon demonstration farm and authentically reconstructed historical dwellings.

Groundwork South Tyneside and Newcastle took on responsibility for Jarrow Hall following an approach by South Tyneside Council after the former operators, Bede’s World, ceased business in February 2016.

Successfully reopened on a limited basis in October 2016, thousands of visitors have already engaged with the reinvigorated site, which will fully launch on April 8.

Groundwork will use the collection and site to enrich lives through culture and heritage and increase the understanding of the importance of the local area and its history.

My team and colleagues across Groundwork are working intensely behind the scenes to prepare for the doors being thrown open permanently, and over £100,000 has been invested to date to support key landscape works and improvements.

The team are also working closely with Tyne and Wear Archives and Museums to provide dedicated conservation and curatorial expertise.

Our vision sees Jarrow Hall delivering great educational and cultural projects while engaging the community, and creating an outstanding visitor attraction of international significance.